Valley Magazine | Spring 2010 by VALLEY Magazine

Valley 46

Spring 2010

Go Go Gadjet From famous songs to favorite fans, they cover it all

beat the Job Market! Sucess stories from 2009 PSU grads who found alternative routes

Love B egan Here

$7.8 million all started with THON 2010 Overall Caitlin Zankowski

Students featured in this issue!

Valley gave one lucky girl a

head-to-toe makeover

See how you could be next on page 14!

Is dating life at Penn State normal ? FIND OUT ON PAGE 33

VA L L E Y / S P R I N G 2 010

“Wherever I go, I always take my Vera” - PJ Maierhofer AUTHORIZED RETAIL STORE

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236 East Calder Way State College, PA 16801 814.234.1620 www.homereflections.us 4

VALLEY EDITORIAL DIVISION

- Photo by Ann Sciandra

President/Editor-in-Chief: Devin Tomb Design Directors: Melissa Bechtold and Magdalena Krawczyk Managing Editor: Erin Mawe

Self-Improvement Editor: Maggie Stuart Self-Improvement Writers: Alyssa Guttendorf, Jennifer Kach, Lauren Kuefner, Michelle Turli, Rachel Yamin

Beauty Editor: Marina Matteo Beauty Writers: Jeanne Drouilhet, Abby Foust, Michele Mendelson, Jackie Stare

Graphic Designers: Megan Crouse, Lindsay Chew, Jessica Gottschalk, Victoria Maggio, Rachael Maras, Marissa Nagy, Lisa Shen

Culture Editor: Christine Kim Culture Writers: Lindsay Chew, Christine Mouser Entertainment Editor: Taylor Larouche Entertainment Writers: Sara Blackwell, Haley Blum, Lindsay C. Luff, Ross Marcinizyn Fashion Editor: Jennifer Hoffman Stylists: Christine Bove, Tiffany Nguyen, Kamara Williams Fashion Writers: Jennifer Conti, Georgia Templeton

Photography Editor: Ann Sciandra Photographers: Amanda Asselta, Shikeith Cathey, Debra Cohen Jennie Lichtenstein, Phillip Mackenzie, Jessica Rommelt Web Editor: Elysia Mann Board of Advisors: Chris Arbutina, Erika Isler, Karen Magnuson, Pamela Monk, Ron Smith, Jill Shockey, Ann Taylor, Suzanne Wayne, Jennifer Zeigler Cover Shoot: Dress provided by Mr. Charles Hair and makeup provided by Looks Hair Salon VA L L E Y / S P R I N G 2 010

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VALLEY BUSINESS DIVISION

- Photo by Shikeith Cathey

Vice President/Managing Director: Efe Obaigbena  Assistant Managing Director: Nora Snoddy  Financial Director: Emily Hitechew Advertising Directors: Monica O’Donnell, Stephanie Verbanets

Advertising Assistant: Bernadette Staino  Advertising Team:

Marketing & Promotions Directors: Brittany Latney, Lauren Williams

Marketing Assistant: Yasemin Baris Marketing & Promotions Team: Joanna Blake, Rachel Blitz, Elista Burneisen, Katie Dziki, Abbey Falk, Abetare Fazliu, Kathleen Gormley, Taylor Johnson, Bernadette Laspee, Kim Mouser, Tori Pearlstein, Samantha Schaeffer, Maggie Stuart

Catherine Clawson, Jackie Dunfee, Maddie Groves, Allison Hoffman, Megan Huet, Sabrina Knoll, Alex Lutz, Maria Miller, Caroline Radvansky, Emily Schade, Kelsey Stratton

Event Management Directors: Alex Farrell, Melissa Manetakis

Event Assistant: Erin Donahue  Event Managment Team: Kate Arendas, Alexis Evans, Danielle Gangone, Amanda Hartmann, Kara Latos, Margaux Leone, Stephie Mastrobattista, Michelle McCormack, Taylor McNamara, Charlotte Miller, Kiera Missanelli, Christine Mouser, Tiffany Nguyen, Tierra Oliver, Emily Silsby, Alexandra Svab, Laura Tucker, AmandaVazquez, Kamara Williams

VA L L E Y / S P R I N G 2 010

contents

VALLEY MAGAZINE / SPRING 2010

47 12

16 beauty & health

UP AND AWAY Easy, breezy, beautiful hairstyles for the weekend

Section Opener Arielle Wilson and Kristin Carpenter of the Women’s Volleyball Team

20 THE ROADS LESS TRAVELED Penn State graduates who didn’t join the workforce right away – how they made it work!

TWO SCENTS Valley guys rate this season’s most popular perfumes

DATE NIGHT Penn State Baseball Game Hit your first date out of the park

22 SINGLE LADIES Two friends spruce up their single dorm rooms together

GET INVOLVED! PHREE How and why to join Peers Helping Reaffirm, Educate and Empower

SECTION OPENER Casie Hoffman

self-improvement

entertainment 23 SECTION OPENER Jade Chen

5 WAYS TO PREVENT: Skin Cancer

GET A GORGEOUS GLOW! Find out which self-tanners really work

19 FOOD FOR THOUGHT Eating habits to help you and the environment

THE GIFT OF GIVING One lucky Wigs for Kids donor gets a head-to-toe makeover!

19 PERFECT KEEPSAKES FOR THE PENN STATE GRAD Seniors: Show this page to your parents!

25 PRESIDENTIAL PLAYLIST Gavin Keirans lets us scroll through his iPod

16 TAKING ON THE GYM Muscle-building workouts fit for a woman’s body 8

table o f co n t en t s

CULTURAL ESCAPES Send your taste buds on vacation with PSU’s diverse restaurants

26 THROW A CINCO DE MAYO PARTY! Everything you need to throw a Mexican fiesta

Go to valleymagazinepsu.com to find out how to be featured in these annual articles in a future issue of Valley!

36 - Photo by Shikeith Cathey

28 GO GO WEDNESDAYS Go Go Gadjet talks about their journey as a popular State College band

culture & divesity

29 SECTION OPENER Morgan Nixon and Kimberly Price 30 CULTURE SHOCK A freshman international student’s first impression of Penn State 31

TWEETING OR TALKING: IS THERE A DIFFERENCE? A look at how technology has changed our generation

32 VALLEY OF THE BOOTY CALLS? Is PSU a good place to find a boyfriend or just a really good hookup?

34 CAMPUS CONFIDENTIAL There are secrets behind the buildings you pass every day!

36 COVER STORY Love Began Here Caitlin Zankowski and her year as the THON overall chairperson 42 YOUR RA: HOW CLOSE IS TOO CLOSE? The fine line between friend and authority figure

fashion

43 SECTION OPENER: Morgan Staten Baker 44 APRIL SHOWERS Cute rain gear for every girl

45 STREET STYLE The best-dressed students at Penn State (well, some of them!)

46 FASHION THROUGH THE GENERATIONS Clothes become more meaningful when they’re passed down through family 47 HAPPY FEET Spring shoes that will knock your socks off 48 WHAT TO WEAR Formal looks from downtown 50 WE ARE.. FASHION Penn State icons with a stylish twist 55 UNDER THE SEAMS Flirty and feminine undergarments 56 HOW I BECAME: A Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice A new feature! Successful alumni give you advice for the career paths you want

VA L L E Y / S P R I N G 2 010

editor’s letter

40 YEARS AGO, Don King, the director of Saturday Night Live, walked down Pollock Road on his way to class. 20 years ago, Valerie Plame Wilson, the former CIA agent who was outed in Robert Novak’s syndicated column in 2003, was just another girl living in McElwain Hall. It will be no time at all until our Spring 2010 cover girl, Caitlin Zankowski, the THON 2010 overall chairperson, is added to the list of famous Penn State graduates. Applicants for the Spring 2010 cover story had to write an essay answering the question: Who are you meant to be, and how has your time at Penn State prepared you to make it happen? The top three essays, including Zankowski’s, are printed on pg. 39. We felt as if these Penn State women are the ones walking on campus as ordinary students who will become extraordinary alumni. As I write my third and final letter as Valley’s editor-in-chief, I think of how far Valley has come since its first issue in 2008. What started out as a fledgling fashion magazine has turned into a celebration of student accomplishments and a valuable outlet to discuss issues and trends on campus. I have to thank Melissa Bechtold, Valley’s design director, and Erin Mawe, Valley’s managing editor (as well as the entire staff), for their years of hard work and creative ideas that never seem to end. I get the glory role, but they are the unsung heros who have spent countless hours making this magazine what it is today. My hope is that Valley will continue to grow as an influential collegiate women’s magazine. It has been my mission as its editor to provide Penn State women with positive role models – not just students who have big titles, but ones who truly give back to this university in a way that provides new opportunities for others. While it goes without saying that Penn Staters will go on after college to contribute great things to the world, Valley’s mission has been to recognize the hard work students do while they are here. And as much as I hope Valley is a celebration of Penn State, I hope it will continue to serve as its biggest critic – seeking the issues students care about and offering in-depth solutions to them. Valley has allowed me to see Penn State at its best – whether it is the accomplished students we cover to the unending creativity from our own

Cover Girl Caitlin Zankowski and I at THON. Read her cover story on pg. 36! - Photo by Shikeith Cathey

staff. It is uncertain what any of us will do after graduation, but while you are here, work hard and know that Valley will always have a place to celebrate what you achieve! For the Glory,

Devin Tomb Editor-in-Chief

In just 3 years...look how far Valley has come!

VALLEY 46

SPRING 2010

GO GO GADJET

Students featured in this issue!

From famous songs to favorite fans, they cover it all

Beat the Job Market! Sucess stories from 2009 PSU grads who found alternative routes

Love B EGAN HER E

Valley gave one lucky girl a

HEAD-TO-TOE MAKEOVER

See how you could be next on page 14!

Is dating life at Penn State normal ? FIND OUT ON PAGE 33

$7.8 million all started with THON 2010 Overall Caitlin Zankowski

VA L L E Y / S P R I N G 2 010

Spring 2008

Fall 2009

Spring 2008

EIC: Nicole Gallo

EIC: Devin Tomb Cover Girl: Kristin Schappell

EIC: Arianna Davis Cover Girl: Kay Makishi

EIC: Devin Tomb Cover Girl: PJ Maierhofer

EIC: Devin Tomb Cover Girl: Caitlin Zankowski

e d i to r ’ s le t t er

beauty & health

(featured)

casie hoffman

Class Cuts By Jeanne Drouillet Age: 18 Year: Freshman Major: Kinesiology Part-time job: Cosmotologist Hometown: Bel Air, Md. PSU involvement: “I play on the rugby team; they bring me a lot of business!” Favorite hair product: “Moroccanoil (Buy.com, $28.66). It’s a conditioning serum that makes your hair really smooth.” If you could steal someone’s hair, whose would it be? “Megan Fox’s – it’s so long, dark and pretty.” First time cutting someone’s hair: “I was a junior in high school, and the woman kept falling asleep. I had to keep pulling her head up so I could cut her hair!” What made you want to cut hair? “My grandma always cut my hair as a kid, and I thought it looked like fun.” Favorite hair accessory: “Hair extensions. Is that weird? You can do different colors, but they aren’t permanent.” VA L L E Y / S P R I N G 2 010

- Photo by Ann Sciandra

up way and a

Bored with straightening your hair night after night on the weekends? Valley has the best (and easiest!) tips to perfect your evening look. By Jeanne Drouillett

THE DARING LOOK 1 Divide hair into two sections, top and bottom. Tie up the top half. 2 Take small sections of the bottom half and tie them in loose knots. Secure each knot through the center of the loop with a bobby pin at the back of your head. The more overlapping, the better! 3 Repeat step two with the top section, leaving your bangs aside. 4 Twist your bangs and pin near the rest of your hair.

THE RELAXED LOOK 1 Section off the hair in front of your ears, while taking additional hair on either side of your part at two-inches wide and one-inch deep.

2 With the rest of your hair, twist as if creating a bun, then tuck under, creating a faux bob. Secure with a claw clip facing up at the base of your neck. 3 Use the hair sections to create four small braids crossing over the part. Pin as close to the nape of your neck as possible.

THE ELEGANT LOOK 1 Part your hair on the side. Tie away the smaller half of hair. 2 Section off a triangle between hairline and part. Use this as the beginning of your French braid. 3 French braid along the side of your head diagonally to the back of your head. Tie all hair to one side of the back of your head. 4 Twist your hair around the hair tie and secure with bobby pins creating a classic, off centered bun.

-Photos by Ann Sciandra

TWO SCENTS

What do guys really think of all the fruity and flowery perfumes we wear? Penn State bachelors speak up on this season’s most popular scents. By Abby Foust

1 Couture Couture by Juicy Couture, Sephora.com, $65 for 1.7 fl. oz. “It’s really overpowering and draws too much attention away from the girl.” Ben DeThomas (senior, international politics) 2 Glam Princess by Vera Wang, Sephora.com, $45 for 1 fl. oz. “It smells good, but I think it’s a little strong.” Chris Pierangeli (freshman, undecided) 3 The Beat by Burberry, Macy’s, $67 for 1.7 fl. oz. “It has a hint of citrus. You smell it and you want it.” Kent Weber (senior, philosophy) 4 Very Hollywood by Michael Kors, Sephora.com, $65 for 1.7 fl. oz. “I like it. It’s light and reminds me of spring.” Marcus Stoll (junior, marketing) 2

1 -Photos courtesy of Sephora.com and Phillip Mackenzie

B eau t y & H ealt h

Get a gorgeous glow!

Some self-tanners leave your skin glowing, and others turn it into a big blotchy mess. It’s time to find out which is which. By Erin Mawe

GlowFusion Micro-Nutrient Face & Body Natural Protein Tan “Whoa. Be careful with this one. Since this is a mist, I tried to be super careful when I was applying it, but the spray dried quickly and left splotches and streaks all over. Not only was I covered in spots, but my skin was more or less the color of a carrot. This proves that price doesn’t always equal quality!” (Fusion Beauty, Sephora.com, $58)

Nivea Sun-Kissed Firming Moisturizer “Hands-down the best product I tried! This gradually built up a subtle tan, but it also acted like a moisturizer. I didn’t get streaks or turn orange, so it was a winner in my book! Plus, it didn’t smell like any gross chemicals.” (Nivea, McLanahan’s, $7.49)

Sublime Bronze SelfTanning Lotion SPF 15 Medium Natural Tan “L’Oreal pleasantly surprised me by creating an instant self-tanner that allowed me to wear short sleeves the next day. As someone who is so pale I pretty much glow in the dark, I was expecting this to be way too dark for me. Luckily, it turned into a golden-bronze shade and didn’t turn my hands a crazy shade of orange. That being said, make sure you wash your hands after using it!” (Sublime Bronze, CVS, $10.49)

5 ways to prevent skin cancer

Skin cancer, or melanoma, is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Dr. Laura Alfie, a dermatologist and skin cancer specialist in from Buenos Aires gives five easy steps for staying safe in the sun. By Michele Mendelson

1. time is of the 2. check your essence skin regularly

3. throw on some shades

4. try a faux tan

5. layers equal protection

Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out in the sun so your skin can absorb the protective ingredients. Otherwise, says Alfie, “Forgetting to reapply can be dangerous.”

Wear protective clothing and accessories to keep your face out of the sun. “When exposed to the sun, wearing sunglasses can strongly prevent the sun’s rays from harming the eyes,” says Alfie.

Spray tanning is safer and produces similar results as tanning beds or lying out in the sun. “Tanning beds increase your chance of getting skin cancer by 30 times if progressively used over a period of time,” says Alfie.

Use makeup containing SPF 15 to give your face an additional layer of protection. “SPF protects the collagen in the skin and prevents wrinkles from appearing,” says Alfie.

Normal moles are typically brown, raised, round and symmetrical. Tell your doctor if they are asymmetrical, have uneven borders, are not a solid color or increase/change in size.

-Photos by Amanda Asselta

VA L L E Y / S P R I N G 2 010

THE GIFT OF GIVING When Margot Marquardt wanted to donate her waist-length hair to Wigs for Kids, Valley beauty editor Marina Matteo stepped in to turn the experience into a memorable makeover.

before

B eau t y & H ealt h

Penn State student Margot Marquardt is nervous. To be more specific, she is very nervous. Every second brings her a little bit closer to her appointment with Designer’s Denn, where her long ponytail will be cut and shipped off to Wigs for Kids, a non-profit organization that makes wigs for children undergoing cancer treatment. “I’m going to feel so good afterward,” says Marquardt, a Morale committee member for THON 2010, about taking the plunge into the short hair world. “I’m really passionate about THON and what it stands for, so I feel really good about donating it.” The first-time Moraler is actually a two-time hair donor. She donated her hair before her sophomore year in high school and has been growing it out ever since. “I’m pretty relaxed about my hair unless it’s the weekend,” Marquardt says. The lowmaintenance 19-year-old lets her hair air-dry and only occasionally uses a flat iron. I met Marquardt for her big appointment and walked into the salon to find her already in her Designer’s Denn smock, ready to go. After an “Are you ready?” from the stylist and a quick snip, Marquardt was holding her footlong ponytail in her hand. “It’s really weird to hold!” she says, staring down at her old hair. Post cut, we used Bumble and Bumble Crème de Coco shampoo (Designer’s Denn, $21) and conditioner (Designer’s Denn, $22) to give her hair some initial bounce and shine. Marquardt was given a mid-length, layered cut with long, side-swept bangs. To style it, her roots were sprayed layer by layer with Root Lift by Pureology (Designer’s Denn, $22). Next, Smoothing Fluid by Aveda (Designer’s Denn, $24) was applied to the mid-shaft and ends of her hair. The roots were then blow-dried with a nozzle on the hair dryer in an upward motion to give the hair lift,

after

Am I sure I want to do this? FTK!

and the ends were styled using a round brush, working layer by layer to add volume. We used Christian Dior DiorShow Black Out mascara (Sephora.com, $24), Brand Flashy Liner in black or brown (Sephora.com, $8) and Stila Convertible Eye Color (Sephora. com, $22) to play up Marquardt’s deep brown eyes. After leaving, Marquardt and I hugged and went our separate ways, only to realize moments later that we had both forgotten the ponytail at the salon and had to rush back to retrieve the donation. Everything finally in order, this generous girl’s hair can be mailed, made into a wig and donated to a child in need. And that is a really good feeling.

On Margot: Floral Dress, “Jack” by BB Dakota; Mr. Charles, $40

If you feel like you are in a head-to-toe rut, e-mail valleymag@gmail.com and you could be eligible for a head-to-toe makeover!

Here we go... this makeover better be worth it. -Photos by Ann Sciandra

Wow, that wasn’t so bad! VA L L E Y / S P R I N G 2 010

-Photos by Amanda Asselta

Taking on the Gym

Cardio routines are easy for girls to master, but weight lifting is another story. Jackie Stare takes on Rec Hall to balance your workout with that other part of the gym.

FOCUS ON: ARMS

FOCUS ON: LOWER LEGS

Bicep Curls

Calf Raises

1 Keep your wrists

1 When using this machine

relaxed and in line with your forearms. Bending your wrists as you do the bicep curls will put an unnecessary strain on your arms.

to work your calves, select a weight that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t strain your muscles but leaves you burning at the end of the repetitions.

2 Make sure your feet are

2 Select a weight that is

shoulder-width apart and shift your body weight, rising to the tip of your shoes.

heavy but not so much that you feel an intense amount of muscle strain.

3 Hold this pose for three

3 Complete 16 reps,

seconds before doing reps using the 16-12-8 process.

decreasing to 12 and then to 8.

FOCUS ON: UPPER LEGS Quadriceps

1 Before beginning the leg press machine, adjust the seat so that your knees are not too close to your chest.

2 Keep your back firmly against the back of the seat. 3 Select a weight and place your feet shoulder-width apart. 4

Press your feet forward and extend your legs outward. Hold for three seconds and then return to the starting position. Continue using the 16-12-8 process.

free weights Bicep Curls

1 After selecting the proper weight,

hold it in your right hand with a loose grip. Squeezing too hard on the weight works your wrist instead of the intended muscles. 2 Begin by raising the weight all the way toward your biceps and do 16 reps. Switch to your other arm for another 16. 3 Cool down by decreasing to 12 reps, and then eventually to 8 reps.

B eau t y & H ealt h

Heel Raises

1 Hold the weights in your

hands and keep your arms down by your sides. 2 Slowly lift your heels off the ground and stand on your toes for three seconds. 3 Lower your heels and repeat the 16-12-8 repetition process with short breaks between each set.

Quadriceps

1 Place your feet shoulder-

width apart and hold the weights down by your sides. 2 Squat low enough so that your thighs become parallel to the floor and then stand straight back up. 3 Repeat using the 16-12-8 process with short breaks in between.

self-improvement

(featured)

arielle wilson & kristen carpenter

Third Time’s a Charm By Alyssa Guttendorf

Ages: 21 and 18 Years: Junior and freshman Positions: MH and OH Hometowns: Broadview, Ill. and Mechanicsville, Va. Team accomplishments: Three consecutive national championships, a 102-match winning streak, and a number of NCAA Championship AllTournament team members What it’s like to win a national championship: (Carpenter) “It was by far the best game I had ever been a part of. To know what it took to get us there and for everything to just fall into place (after we lost the two sets in the beginning, of course), it was the greatest experience of my life.” How life has changed since: (Carpenter) “Coming from such a small town, if anything happens to one person, everyone knows about it. It’s definitely a life changing experience and has changed the meaning of ‘superstar’ in Mechanicsville, Va.!” What PSU can expect from the Women’s Volleyball team in the future: (Wilson) “You can expect nine new faces next year and a brand new dynamic and team chemistry next season! That is all I can say for now. You will just have to wait and see for yourself!” - Courtesy of La Vie

VA L L E Y / S P R I N G 2 010

-Photos Greg Pierce

date night: penn state baseball game

Read on to hit your big night right out of the park. By Jackie Stare Spend a first date at a Penn State baseball game and We know how to hit a home run! those awkward silences will be filled with cheering fans. - Photo by Greg Pierce Comfort is key, meaning heels probably aren’t the best the batter to a fielder without contacting the ground, and a full choice for this date! McLanahan’s and Lion’s Pride are count occurs when there are three balls and two strikes against great places to find a cheap T-shirt and a cute baseball hat. the batter. Be sure to grab a bite to eat before the game because food It’s also important to be familiar with some of the players prices at sporting events can be expensive. Arrive about on the team. Top returning players for the 2010 season a half-hour before the game begins, and you’ll be able to include junior catchers Ben Heath and Bobby Jacobs. Another avoid the line and grab front-row seats. standout returning player is sophomore third baseman Jordan In case you aren’t a baseball junkie, brush up on a few Steranka, who was on the Big Ten All-Rookie team last season. basic terms to really impress your guy during the game. An At the end of the date (hopefully after a win!), be sure to stop RBI, or run batted in, occurs when the batter hits the ball by the Creamery, Coldstone or Rita’s Italian Ice for a sweet so that one of their teammates on base reaches home plate treat. and scores. A line drive is when the ball goes straight from

get involved! PHREE Peers Helping Reaffirm, Educate and Empower, or PHREE, is a club for women whose topics range from self-esteem to healthy relationships. Here’s how you can get involved! By Maggie Stuart

On the Scene For “Love Your Body Day,” an event held by PHREE in the HUB last fall, students were invited to look in mirrors and write what they love about themselves on a poster board. The peer-educators within PHREE also host programs for organizations like sororities, resident assistants, and even high school and middle school students.

Girl Talk At meetings, members discuss healthy relationships, self-esteem, body image, or any issue that can get swept under the rug at a campus as big as Penn State’s. PHREE is a women-only club to give the group a more relaxed atmosphere. “We are a female family,” says Samira Shabazz, public relations chair. “I’ve made so many friends! We hang out and like to have fun and let loose.” nts and eve eetings

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to are open

you are time. If in any jo n ca members up or book gro and new anyone the Face in jo n ou ca ining, y ed in jo u. interest sa.psu.ed Phree@ e-mail HRE All P

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-Photo by De

S elf - impr o vemen t

A PHREE Future This year PHREE received an award from University Park Undergraduate Association for its efforts on campus and was invited to be a part of the first “Campus Night Out.” “We’ve always had a great work ethic, but now we’re focused on getting ourselves out there and this is the year it’s all happening,” says Shabazz.

food for thought Dr. Dorothy Blair of Penn State’s Department of Nutritional Sciences explains how making simple food choices can have a positive impact on our health and the environment. By Maggie Stuart

Perfect Keepsakes for the Penn State Grad May is a time of celebration for seniors. Kick off the fun with these unique graduation gifts. By Lauren Kuefner

These PSU ’10 Wine Glasses (Reflections, $21.95 each) are an adorable and practical keepsake. Handmade by a local artist, these glasses are perfect for a graduating senior.

-Photo by Jennie Lichtenstein

eat less meat

reduce food waste

By substituting vegetables and whole grains for a portion of your daily meat intake, you will add important nutrients and fiber content to your diet. Most people eat significantly more meat than needed each day. “The excess meat displaces food from our diets that we need more of,” says Blair. Plus, shipping fruits and vegetables to your local grocery store uses less energy and land than raising animals for meat.

Although Penn State has recycling centers and composts, they are only for preconsumer waste. Reduce food waste by only taking what you need. Blair suggests using just a plate, instead of taking a tray, so you only take what you really need. By taking less food, it’s easier to eat smaller portions and waste less.

cook at home

These days, most of the food we eat comes in a wrapper. Cooking at home can help avoid excess packaging. Most of the choose the right origins foods that come wrapped are processed, Choose foods that are pasture-raised, fair-trade or organic. Organic products meaning they contain extra sugar, fat, salt and cheap ingredients that aren’t healthy. benefit the environment and the community. Farmers that follow organic “If you can cook at home, then you can control your own diet. It’s worth it to standards can’t have soil run-off or pollute water sources. Although organic learn,” says Blair foods tend to be on the expensive side, some organic fruit is only 20 to 30 cents more than non-organic.

The Penn State Seal leather band watch (Moyer Jewelers, $275) is a sophisticated choice that will never go out of style and can even be engraved.

For the male graduate, we love the Penn State ties from Vineyard Vine’s College Collection at Harper’s ($75) and matching Penn State cufflinks ($48.50).

-Photos by Jessie Rommelt

VA L L E Y / S P R I N G 2 010

The Roads Less Traveled A SOON-TO-BE GRADUATES GUIDE TO JOB ALTERNATIVES Michelle Turli travels down the paths of five Penn Staters who sought out creative opportunities during challenging times. made progress in showing these students the importance and value of achieving the most they can in education,” says Michael. For more information on Teach for America, visit www.teachforamerica.org.

Changing Lanes: Teach For America

After working in the biomechanics lab at Penn State, Andrew Michael, a 2009 graduate from Gettysburg, Pa., quickly realized he wasn’t so sure about his path toward physical therapy. Michael, who has a degree in kinesiology, decided to pursue Teach for America, the national corps of recent college graduates who commit to teach for two years in urban or rural public schools. “The disparity in public education is astounding and is truly an injustice to the many people who are not offered a quality education simply because of where they live,” says Michael. Michael felt that this opportunity could also give him the necessary experience to get into quality graduate schools and discover what he truly wants to do in his life. Michael currently teaches in the School District of Philadelphia. He recommends Teach for America to those who have a strong desire to help underprivileged children. “They tell you at recruitment that it is one of the most challenging times of your life, but is also very rewarding,” says Michael. “You really must be a person of great motivation, high resolve and have a relentless determination to close the gap.” “More than anything, I hope I’ve

S elf - impr o vemen t

The Winding Road: Post-graduate Internships

Arianna Davis dreams of becoming a magazine editor-in-chief. With a degree in journalism and a minor in Spanish, Davis, a 2009 graduate from Ellicott City, Md., was awaiting the opportunity to contribute what she has learned to a magazine willing to give her a shot. Immediately after graduation, Davis interned at the New York Daily News as a Dow Jones Newspaper Fund intern, copy-editing and reporting on breaking news. “I would definitely recommend this internship program,” says Davis. “It’s great to add the editing experience to your .” Upon completion of her internship, Davis felt ready to apply for a position in the magazine industry. As a fulltime editorial intern at O, The Oprah Magazine, Davis assisted senior editors and worked with the beauty department, contributing research and ideas. “A full-time internship is great because it gives you the experience of working an 8-hour day and can really help you figure out if you are in the right field,” says Davis. “The company really gets to know you and your work ethic, too.” Davis reminds soon-to-be graduates that although the pay of internships may not be ideal, the compensation is in the experience.

“If you take your time and start off by interning or taking an entry-level position at a smaller company, you will work your way up and eventually reach your dream,” says Davis. In February of this year, after spending seven months interning at O, Davis was offered a full-time position as an editorial assistant, proving that with hard work and dedication, dreams really can come true. For more information on the Dow Jones Newspaper Fund Internship Program, visit www.newspaperfund.org.

Construction Zone: Entrepreneurship

Alex Mann, a 2009 graduate from Philadelphia, Pa., did not want to wait for others to choose his career path for him. Upon graduation, Mann, who studied finance and entrepreneurship, raised money to operate his own company, AM Analytics, which he started while still at Penn State. “I chose to start my own business because I recognized a market opportunity in my industry and found the startup process intellectually fulfilling,” says Mann. “I found it to be a more viable option than attempting to job hunt during the economic downfall, and I also enjoyed the challenge of defying the typical college-graduate path.” Mann’s company is a business intelligence platform that measures digital and social media. Mann says this platform can improve decision making through understanding social media’s impact on sales, saving and brand equity. “While this may seem counter-

intuitive to most people, the best strategy is not to spend all of your time applying for jobs,” says Mann. “It should be spent on learning about your field and connecting with people who are doing what you want to do, as jobs aren’t handed out, they are earned.” To read more about Mann’s business, visit www.alexjmann.com.

and decide to pack up and travel for six months.” Stuart traveled to Rome to study Italian through the Dilit International Language School and says she feels it’s important to be “globally-conscious” in today’s world. “Above all, I learned that we are all capable of surprising ourselves.” she says. “You just have to take that chance.” For more information on the Dilit International Language Program, visit www.dilit.it.

The Scenic Route: Travel

“I have my whole life to work!” says Katie Stuart, a 2009 marketing graduate from Pittsburgh, Pa. Stuart chose to take advantage of this transitional time in her life to explore a different country, culture and lifestyle. After graduation, Stuart had an internship that would have led to a fulltime position, but her decision to travel to Italy is one she knew she would never regret. “I couldn’t help but feel that if I didn’t travel now, I would never have the opportunity again,” says Stuart. “You can’t be 35, married with kids,

Next Stop: Graduate School

For Maxine Asimenu, a Penn State senior who is originally from Ghana, graduate school was never a question. In Asimenu’s eyes, a higher education will give her an advantage over others entering the job market. “I chose graduate school because I wanted to increase my marketability in the field of sustainable development,” says Asimenu. “People who have a master’s degree can be paid higher than those with an undergraduate degree.” Asimenu, a sociology major with a business minor, will attend England’s Durham University, a prestigious university in the international community, after she graduates this May. “My ultimate goal was to find an excellent graduate school to attend and I achieved that,” says Asimenu. “Not only will I have access to more opportunities, but I will also have the ability to contribute effectively to the advancement of humanity with the knowledge I will acquire in graduate school.” For more information on applying to graduate school, visit http://studentaffairs. psu.edu/career/. VA L L E Y / S P R I N G 2 010 21

Single Ladies If you think regular dorm rooms are small, try living in a single. Michelle Turli takes you behind the closed doors of two friends who pulled off stylish (shoe-box size) spaces. When junior Megan Crouse walked into her dorm room freshman year, she panicked. “I’m a bit of a neat freak, so having a roommate and sharing such a small amount of space really bothered me,” says Crouse. Sophomore Emily Hitechew had similar thoughts. But this semester, when they upgraded to single rooms on the same floor, the doors opened for privacy and creative design. “When I first walked through the door, I was overwhelmed by all of the organizing and decorating I had ahead of me,” says Hitechew. Her Pottery Barn Teen black and white polka dot bedding is the heart of the room. Hitechew also added splashes of light blue and replaced the standard curtains that come with every Penn State dorm with decorative fabric shower curtains. “It makes for the perfect environment to hang out in and get school work done,” says Hitechew. Hitechew says she spends most of her time in her room working at her desk,

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so she made it an inviting space with decorations and lots of pictures. “It’s a space that has to be functional yet comfortable,” says Hitechew. Across the hall, Crouse chose a black and white color scheme as well, not only for its simplicity, but also because the colors make for classic and timeless decorations she can use even after college. Crouse chose yellow, her favorite color, to break up the room’s basic pattern. She says, “Living in a small space can be stressful, so using colors that are simple relieves some of that stress.” Tied together all for less than $200, her dorm spotlights a damask bedspread from Wal-Mart, a matching lamp from Target, posters from Allposters.com and accessories from IKEA. Her mother and grandmother, both artists, painted four canvases with the black and white damask pattern after tracing the design from her pillow shams. Crouse says her dorm room is “me – in every way, shape and form.” Crouse says she is usually reading in

- Photos courtesy of Megan Crouse and Emily Hitchew

bed or sleeping when she is in her dorm room. “I need a place where I enjoy sitting down and getting my work done,” she says of her bright, comfy bedding. For those who also live in a small space, Crouse recommends learning what is essential and what is not. “In such a small space, it is so easy to over-clutter,” says Crouse. “It’s good to downsize and only bring what’s truly important to you.” Having moved five times prior to her freshman year, Crouse learned firsthand how to separate necessities from luxuries. By donating unused clothes to Goodwill or Plato’s Closet, she was able to clear some space while helping others in her community. Hitechew and Crouse once felt overwhelmed looking at their bare, undecorated rooms. Now, they say it’s sometimes hard to leave. “I don’t look at this space as a dorm room anymore,” says Crouse. “I look at it as my home away from home.”

entertainment

(featured)

jade chen

The Sound of Music

By Erin Mawe and Sara Blackwell Age: 22 Year: Senior Majors: Finance and information science and technology Hometown: Garnet Valley, Pa. PSU involvement: SPA entertainment chair; Smeal Student Society; tennis team; Miss Penn State 2007; Asian American Association; Penn State Investment Association; Student Government and Lion Ambassadors at Penn State Brandywine Proudest accomplishment: “Being crowned Miss Penn State in the 2007 pageant!” Favorite spot on campus: Atherton Hall Music I’m inspired by: “Miss Independent” by NeYo, “Fighter” by Christina Aguilera, and “Listen” by Beyoncé Song you are dying to cover: “Unfaithful” by Rihanna Favorite artist: Lady GaGa City I love the most: “New York City, of course!” Web site: www.AgeofJade.com -Photo by Ann Sciandra

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-Ann Sciandra

Cultural Escapes Think you have to leave State College to encounter an amazing cultural experience? Think again! Lyndsay C. Luff explores three of Happy Valley’s foreign food options that let your taste buds do the traveling.

India Pavilion

Fuji & Jade Garden

Herwig’s Austrian Bistro

Cuisine: Northern and Southern Indian

Cuisine: Chinese and Japanese

Cuisine: Austrian

So much more than a great meal, India Pavilion takes you to India from the moment you step inside. From the music playing to the paintings on the walls, you will easily escape the “hustle and bustle” of downtown State College. India Pavilion offers an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet featuring appetizers, chicken, lamb, seafood and an assortment of traditionally prepared Indian breads for just $6.95. It even offers gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian dishes. All options are available for takeout, so whether you are on the go or on a date, stop by India Pavilion for a healthy, hearty meal!

Fuji & Jade Garden combines two cultures to create one fantastic restaurant. Though the atmosphere has a primarily Chinese influence, the eatery also offers traditional Japanese cuisine. With a sushi bar, classic entrees, and Hibachi by night, you will have an array of choices. Vegetarians are able to eat almost anything on the menu – from vegetables and seafood to rice and noodle dishes. All are prepared according to traditional Chinese and Japanese standards. Unique to Fuji & Jade Garden is the option to organize parties in-house, transforming the restaurant to your liking.

The ambiance at Herwig’s Austrian Bistro is comparable to dining in the comfort of your own home. Austria is a country with a German influence, with German-inspired cuisine and accented with flavors from Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland and Italy. Herwig’s offers more than the best sausage and bratwurst you will ever have in State College. This family-run restaurant offers secret recipes for dishes including Schweinsbraten (roast pork) and Wienerschnitzel (breaded chicken, veal or pork cutlet). Catering to the needs of vegetarian customers, the restaurant offers at least one vegetable dish a day, seafood options, and information about eating healthy.

(For more information, call 814-2373400 or visit www.indiapavilion.net)

(For more information, call 814-8613226 or visit www.fujijadegarden. com)

(For more information, call 814-238-0200 or visit www.herwigsaustrianbistro.com)

Location: 222 E. Calder Way

Location: 418 Westerly Parkway

$ College Student Budget ($5-10) $$ Mom and Dad Budget ($10-20) 24

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Location: 132 W. College Ave.

PRESIDENTIAL PLAYLIST Gavin Keirans, 2008-2010 President of the University Park Undergraduate Association, lets Haley Blum take a scroll through his iPod. “Chicken Fried” by Zac Brown Band

“I am not a big country music guy at all, but this song is a great tune. I first heard it in Sea Isle, N.J. this summer and it quickly became a fixture on my playlist.”

“Work It Out” by Jurassic 5 ft. Dave Matthews

“I have always loved Dave Matthews, and, outside of being dragged to a Hanson concert, Dave was my first real concert. I think this collaboration with Jurassic 5 is really unique and is a good listen for any type of mood.”

Presidential Playlist Gavin Keirans

“Pablo Picasso” by Citizen Cope

“Citizen Cope may not be completely mainstream, but he is certainly getting there. His music is perfect for just hanging out. I saw him live at the Electric Factory [in Philadelphia, Pa.] and it was one of my favorite concerts.”

“On To The Next One” by Jay-Z ft. Swizz Beats

“The Blueprint 3 is the best album I have heard in the last three to four years. There are a lot of choices from this CD that could be at the top of my iPod right now.”

“Don’t Push” by Sublime

“This has been a favorite band [of mine] since the latter years of the grade school days. I have the entire Sublime collection, but no matter how many times I play this song, it never gets overplayed.”

- Photo courtesy of Apple.co

“Banana Pancakes” by Jack Johnson

“I really started liking this guy toward the end of my high school career. I like how he takes obscure concepts, like banana pancakes or bubble toes, and makes quality music out of them.” VA L L E Y / S P R I N G 2 010

O C IN C A W THRO Y T R A P O Y A DE M

EIC Devin Tomb had to snag a pic with the best dressed guy at the party.

In honor of the upcoming Mexican holiday, Taylor Larouche and Ross Marcinizyn show you how to celebrate the 5th of May in style. (Mariachi band not included.) Food & Drinks

Decorations

Dress Code

When planning this festive shindig, make a quick trip to McLanahan’s and grab Mexican-style foods like tortilla chips (Tostitos, $3.49) with salsa (Pace Chunky Salsa, $3.29) or tacos (Old El Paso Taco Dinner Kit, $3.49). For quick and easy beef or chicken tacos, try using a frozen brand that you can throw into the microwave and serve to your guests within minutes (Delimex Beef Taquitos, $4.99). For beverages, treat your friends to something with a south-of-the-border flavor like frozen, blended drinks.

Use the colors that accompany this holiday as inspiration. Hang green, white and red streamers from the ceiling and add bright lantern-style lights in the corners. Even if you decide not to wear a sombrero, try hanging up a few to decorate bare wall space. To make the fiesta more college appropriate, buy an inflatable cactus to use as a cooler (we filled the bottom with drinks!) and take the party décor to a whole new level.

Tell guests to dress in bright, tropical shades or in colors resembling the Mexican flag – green, white and red. If you’re feeling extra festive, wear a sombrero or a poncho-style cover-up. Long skirts with ruffles were a favorite at our party – perfect for dancing the night away! Peasant shirts are also a great way to heat things up.

E n t er tainmen t

-Ann Sciandra

Event management directors Alex Farrell and Melissa Manetakis and managing director Efe Obaigbena wanted a picture with the sombrero guy, too!

Why not serve tortilla chips on a hat?

Music To make things easy and set the mood for guests, turn on Pandora or a Latin-themed music station on your TV. If you would like to make your own playlist, Valley recommends these five songs to build from:

1. “The Mexican Hat Dance” 2. “The Macarena” - Los Del Rio 3. “La Bamba” - Ritchie Valens 4. “Biddi Biddi Bom Bom” - Selena 5. “Conga” - Gloria Estefan

Valley staffers shaking things up!

OK, these mini tacos tasted way better than they look! VA L L E Y / S P R I N G 2 010

-Ann Sciandra

Go Go Wednesdays Tired of hearing “Summer of ’69” covered by a bar band for the millionth time? We’ve got your fix. Haley Blum introduces you to Go Go Gadjet, a popular State College band that covers songs you actually want to hear. “We killed a woman once.” Wait, what?! Jeff Tomrell, the lead singer of the cover band Go Go Gadjet, just confessed to a murder in an interview. Not good. “I mean, we didn’t kill her, but a woman did go into cardiac arrest at one of our shows.” Phew. “The club manager came up to me and was like, ‘Stop! I need you to make an announcement to see if there’s a doctor in the house,’” says 27-year-old Tomrell. Contrary to that show in Killington, Vt. – the name, a painful irony – death is not a common side effect of watching a high-energy Go Go Gadjet performance. Rather, the band is becoming well-known around Happy Valley and all over the East Coast for its renditions of Top 40 songs. The band, based in Reading, Pa., is comprised of Tomrell, bassist Nate Myotte, drummer Baldwin Bonilla, keyboardist Tony Reichert and lead guitarist Chris Schwartz and can be found rocking out at the Phyrst on most Wednesday nights. “My favorite part about seeing Go Go Gadjet live is watching them interact with the audience, including seeing a friend or two take the mic for a verse,” says Greg Tallman, a senior who estimated that he has seen the band 15

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times. Tomrell and his bandmates have practiced hard to become the crowdpleasing act they are today. Forming in 2005 while Tomrell was a student at Penn State, the band played at Café 210 on Wednesday nights to crowds of “12 to 15 people,” Tomrell says with a laugh. When Go Go Gadjet started playing at Café 210 on football weekends, people began to notice them. After continuing to play at the outdoor bar for a year and a half, the band switched over to the Phyrst. With a hectic touring schedule that takes the band everywhere from Key West, Fla. to Vermont, Tomrell and the rest of Go Go Gadjet are full-time rock stars. “We don’t just show up to bars and play shows and that’s all we do. We put a lot of time into making our band stand out from the other ones out there. Every week we learn, or at least practice, four new songs,” says Tomrell. “Between doing online promotions, programming and writing, it really is a full-time job.” Relentless touring is not a new concept for Tomrell, who recounted a typical weekend during his super-senior year: “I went to class on Thursday, drove to Atlantic City and played at the Borgata, drove back and went to class on Friday, then drove to Long Beach,

N.Y. and played ‘til four in the morning, drove back to Reading, slept an hour, and then played that night. It was nuts. So future THON dancers, I know what you’re in for.” The band, which performed at THON 2010, described the experience as a “total highlight” of their music career. “You could tell people were drained,” says Tomrell. “When we came on, it really perked everyone up. I saw some of the [Four Diamonds] kids there and it totally gave us some more, like, ‘That’s what this is for.’” The appeal of Go Go Gadjet comes from a simple, yet successful, formula: Play Lady Gaga and they shall come. Krysta Genovese, a senior who danced in THON 2010, got the chance to come up on stage during Go Go Gadjet’s cover of “Bad Romance.” “It was the biggest rush I’ve ever had. My feet were in so much pain, but when I was up there I couldn’t feel a thing. I was just having a great time with a band that I’m a huge fan of,” she says. When asked why someone should come to one of the band’s shows, she simply responded, “Every single one of them is an expert at what they do, and they play the music we want to hear so it’s fun.” But just don’t die. (Additional reporting by Lauren Keufner)

culture & diversity

(featured)

morgan nixon & Taking Adversity Out of Diversity By Christine Kim Sophomores and co-presidents of Diversity Ambassadors in the College of kimberly price Who: Communications. What: Diversity Ambassadors is a peer mentoring group dedicated to expanding Penn State’s multicultural community. How: Aside from mentoring first-year diversity students, Nixon, Price and the rest of the Ambassadors conduct “phone-a-thons” to help recruit prospective students. Why Diversity Ambassadors are important at Penn State: (Nixon) “We recognize that under-represented groups at Penn State may need support or just someone to speak with, and we recognize that diversity is an essential component in not only education, but life as well.” Why diversity is essential in any community: (Price) “It provides a wide spectrum of cultural insights that can then lead to self-discovery. People benefit from diversity by keeping an open mind and allowing themselves to become knowledgeable about things that they may not understand.” VA-LPhoto L E Y by/ Ann S P Sciandra R I N G 2 010

First-year international student Aizhan Kul-Mukhammed talks to Christine Kim about her initial impressions of Penn State.

Culture Shock Aizhan Kul-Mukhammed could have accepted a scholarship from the Kazakhstan government to attend any university in the world – but she didn’t. She could have settled for a full scholarship to the American University in Washington, D.C. – but she didn’t. She could have given up after being rejected by her high school’s National Honors Society for being “overly ambitious” – but again she didn’t. Instead, Kul-Mukhammed decided to attend college without the help of any government scholarships. “If I can afford my own education,” she says, “I shouldn’t take a scholarship opportunity away from somebody else.” She had a similar mentality when she received a full scholarship to the American University. “That’s someone else’s dream – so I rejected it,” she says. After her third rejection from the National Honors Society, Kul-Mukhammed started “Good Food,” a student-run charity organization, and she also served as the student council president during her senior year in high school.

Kul-Mukhammed is in a league of her own. “I’m the kind of person who just needs to do something in life,” she says. Born and raised in the central Asian country of Kazakhstan, she accepted her offer of admission to Penn State as a high school senior. Now in her second semester, the first-year student remembers her first impressions of

cult ure & d iversi t y

learning a second language - Photo by Jennie Lichtenstein

life in the United States from her initial experiences at Penn State.

Adjusting to dorm life – and everything that comes with it. “What I’ve noticed is the sexual freedom for both women and men,” she says. “In Kazakhstan, it’s all private business. You don’t openly display anything and you don’t tell anybody.”

Casual attire? “In Kazakhstan, the way you dress reflects your mind and body,” says KulMukhammed, recalling how someone asked if it was her birthday because of her dressy outfit on the first day of class. On the other side of the spectrum, she says many Penn State students sport what Kul-Mukhammed calls the “Penn State uniform” – a Penn State sweatshirt and matching sweatpants.

So, you want to study or travel abroad, but what about the language barrier? International students Nicki Zhou, of China, Sally Chia, of Taiwan, and Aizhan KulMukhammed, of Kazakhstan, name a few great tips to help speed up the process of learning a new language. By Christine Kim Expose yourself to as many forms of media as possible. Learning a second language in school can be helpful – until you’re faced with confusing figures of speech and grammar shortcuts. Watch a TV show or movie, or even listen to a radio broadcast, in the language you’re trying to learn. This will help you with the basic sounds of the language, and it will give you a grasp on cultural slang and euphemisms.

Little student, big class

Read, read, read!

“In school, it’s you who has to care about your grades and attendance. If you walk into class late,” she says, “no Penn State professor will stop class and ask, ‘Why are you late?’At schools in Kazakhstan, they would take the time to draw more attention to you rather than ignore you.”

When in Rome…

Where’s the diversity? “Back in my home community, there were no ethnic or religious boundaries. I learned not to make prejudices or follow stereotypes,” she says. “But here, there’s no cultural diffusion. I feel like every ethnicity only stays by themself.”

Find foreign books or articles that spark your interest, and try to read them in their original language. Keep a translation dictionary handy to look up any words you don’t know.

Having someone on the “inside” who knows the culture will help you gain an understanding of and appreciation for another language. Have conversations with them in their native language to improve your speaking skills and gain an understanding of their background.

tweeting or talking: is there a difference? What’s Happening?

Christine Mouser evaluates the pros and cons of technology’s growing influence on campus.

Tweet Have you ever paid attention to the masses of students swarming Pollock Road between classes? Eye-popping scarves, worn-down UGGs and colorful umbrellas dominate the scene. Chances are, behind those scarves and under those umbrellas, students are chatting on a pink, rubber-clad cell phone or listening to a favorite playlist on an iPod. Whether we like it or not, these technologies are embedded in our everyday lives. Valley polled 100 Penn State students, and an overwhelming 85 percent said they spend at least four hours a day on the computer, while 65 percent said they check Facebook four or more times a day. Freshman Brianna Griffin uses her cell phone, iPod and laptop on a daily basis. “I use my cell phone as an alarm clock, to text and call my friends and to check the time,” says Griffin, a communication and science disorders major. “I constantly use my iPod while walking around campus because it gives me something to do going from class to class.” But are these technologies bringing society closer together, or are they pulling us apart? According to John Carroll, a professor of information sciences and technology at Penn State, it’s probably a little bit of both. “Technology enriches the toolkit

for human interaction and social life more generally as well as for teaching and learning” says Carroll. “However, it’s not trouble-free, and it should never replace the interactions that we have relied on in the past.” One common way of maintaining relationships is through texting. Nearly 85 percent of Penn State students say that texting is their main source of communication, which also seems to be replacing the practice of talking on the telephone. But while technology can bring us closer by breaking down previous obstacles of communication, we are still bound by the faceless identities that we create in this technological world. Rachel Rubin, a Penn State instructor specializing in cultural aspects of the mass media, agrees that technology can encourage a level of social isolation because computers, cell phones, and mp3 players, for example, are intended for individual use. “It’s less likely that he or she is interacting with those around him or her, so these technologies send the message that the user would rather interact with the technology than those in his or her presence,” Rubin says. Not only does Rubin stress the social importance of technology, but she also says it has helped create a more vibrant learning environment in the classroom. “When used thoughtfully,

technological advancements can make the classroom atmosphere more dynamic,” says Rubin. “Technology allows for examples and illustrations that would otherwise be left to verbal description.” Junior Melissa Marovich also agrees that technology is a great addition to the classroom as well as to her major. “Public relations has become so focused and concentrated on using technology as the primary tool of getting information out to the public that if technology was not used in the classroom, I would not be learning the latest and most effective ways to practice public relations,” says Marovich. Although technology can enrich the college learning experience, Penn State students have seen its faults in the classroom. Even though many of us rejoice when the projector in class refuses to work, it becomes apparent that technology has its flaws and can serve as a distraction. While there are certain aspects of technology that students have no control over, Carroll says that technology isn’t all to blame. “When I’m teaching class, some students will do their e-mails, surf the Web or play games,” says Carroll. “But it is not the fault of technology. It’s the student’s own fault. I think sometimes we just have to face the uncomfortable truth.” VA L L E Y / S P R I N G 2 010

VALLEY OF THE BOOTY CALLS

With all its students, Penn State can seem like one big relationship buffet, but for many girls, it’s filled with empty calories. Jen Kach gets to the bottom of what relationships are really like in Happy Valley. Welcome, ladies, to the Penn State Relationship Buffet, where you’ll find everything from Frat Boy French Fries to Nerd Nachos to Cutie Cookies! Today’s feature is The Hookup Sampler – you can choose anything you like, but don’t expect it to fill you up or even hold you until dinnertime. Now, who’s hungry? The lack of guys interested in committed relationships is an increasingly common complaint among female students at Penn State. Is the Nittany Lion dating scene really just about random hookups? According to sophomore Ingrid Krecko, the answer is a resounding yes. “It’s a good way to have fun without worrying about having to buy presents on major holidays,” she says.

So, Why Hookups? Penn State is a big campus. With such a wide selection, it can be as hard to settle on one person as it is to pick only one flavor at the Creamery. (Don’t deny it. A Teaberry-Peanut Butter Swirl mix would be delicious.) Why choose just one when you can get free samples? “It’s really difficult to stay in a

cult ure & d iversi t y

relationship with someone when there are so many other options and temptations that you’re faced with,” says freshman Danielle Poole. “Not to mention, when alcohol gets involved, relationships tend to get complicated.” As the No. 1 party school in the nation, it stands to reason that Penn State is home to some of the most complicated relationships of all. Of course, one-night stands aren’t for everyone. According to sophomore Rachel Sweeney, “College is when people really start looking.” But how easy is it for students who want a meaningful relationship to turn looking into finding? Junior Phil Rathosky thinks it’s “fairly easy” for the same reason that hookups are so common – sheer numbers. Even though it’s true that with more choices, you have a higher probability of finding what you want, the majority of those interviewed disagree. Krecko, for one, thinks it’s nearly impossible. “Nobody wants to date!” she says. “Guys like to be free to get drunk and flirt with whoever they wish without worrying about a girlfriend breathing down their necks and sobbing at the

first sign of infidelity. Girls don’t want that in a boyfriend either.” Sweeney, taking a less black-andwhite approach, makes an important distinction: “All Nittany Lions are on the prowl, so finding someone to date isn’t hard. Finding someone to date who you are actually interested in is another story.” So, it’s really hard to find a good relationship on campus, but really easy to find a hookup. Is there any chance you can turn a hookup into a relationship? Sophomore Julie Ressalam is skeptical at best. “People may pursue hookups and try to turn them into relationships, but to say that’s common is just being idealistic.” In the end, it all makes for more drama than a Hills-Jersey Shore mashup. As Krecko says, “It’s just easier to be single.”

A Diet Option? Don’t break out the Ben & Jerry’s just yet. We may be able to outsmart Cupid with a cunning trick known as the boy-friend (not to be confused with the similar-sounding boyfriend). The

Meeting Mr. Right Instead of relying on frats and bars to meet a date-worthy guy, these Penn State girls found love through student organizations and mutual friends. By Rachel Yamin WE MET THROUGH: a student organization

boy-friend is the one you can hang out with without having to worry about the infamous “We have to talk.” He’s the one you can cajole into seeing Leap Year without having to hold his hand in the theatre. He’s even the one you can daydream about kissing without having to wonder if that means you’re “together.” The boy-friend is the fresh fruit in a world of fried Oreos, but can he be found on the Happy Valley menu? The good news is that many students – guys and girls alike – agree that members of the opposite sex can happily inhabit the Friend Zone. “I definitely think opposite-gender friendships can exist and do exist completely platonically,” says Sweeney. Krecko is a bit more cautious. “They can be friends, but it takes some work,” she says. And let’s be honest – a boy-friend is still, well, a boy. You may catch yourself flirting with him, but, according to Krecko, that’s OK. “I think everyone is a little attracted to her opposite-sex friend – otherwise, what’s the fun of having one?”

Check, Please! When it comes to the Penn State Relationship Buffet, the trick is to know what you want going in. Keep your wits about you, stay optimistic and always check nutrition labels. That way, by the time you’ve gone through the line, you’ll have a plate that’s arranged just the way you want it.

“My boyfriend Ricky and I met when we both joined the Penn State Filipino Association our freshman year. We spent a lot of time with each other during meetings and socials. We started hanging out outside of the club and before we knew it, we were dating. Meeting my boyfriend in a club definitely made our relationship stronger because we were both involved in the same organization and didn’t have to worry about making time to see each other. It also brought out our similar interests such as meeting new people and learning about other cultures.” – Lia Peralta (sophomore, communications)

WE MET THROUGH: a mutual friend

“Because of various mutual friends, RJ, my boyfriend, and I would frequently be in the same place at the same time. After hanging out a couple of times, we realized how much we had in common and pretty much became attached at the hip. For a while, we were best friends and did everything together. Eventually we realized that what we had was becoming much more than a friendship. Here we are a year later, he’s still my best friend and my boyfriend!” – Emily Naumann (junior, elementary and kindergarten education)

WE MET THROUGH: our residence hall “I met my boyfriend Ryan because we lived in the same hall freshman year. It was one of those things where my friend knew one of his friends, and we all started to hang out.. We had movie nights a lot, and hung out a lot before we started officially dating.” – Liz Furrer (junior, advertising/public relations)

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Campus Confidential REC HALL

During the fall and winter of 1921, students began vigorously petitioning to construct a giant stone “S” on the face of Mount Nittany. When Fred Lewis Pattee wrote a letter to the Collegian proclaiming that the “S” would turn the mountain into a mere billboard, the idea’s popularity quickly subsided. The money that had been raised for the monument was used to build a campus gym – Rec Hall.

THE LION SHRINE

In 1966, Sue Paterno pulled off one of the greatest pranks in Penn State history. She and two other women painted the Lion Shrine orange just days before the Syracuse game. Luckily, they used waterbased paint so it could easily be cleaned. When a few Syracuse students decided to paint the Lion Shrine orange too, they accidentally used oil-based paint that wouldn’t wash off!

OLD BOTANY

Old Botany is the oldest building on campus with its original facade still remaining. It was built in 1887!

Rec Hall:

GARFIELD THOMAS WATER TUNNEL

WILLARD BUILDING

OLD MAIN LAWN

While the Applied Research Lab may look unassuming from the outside, it houses the world’s largest circulating water tunnel. This water tunnel allows scientists to study technical matters with underwater weapons, as well as the effects of differently shaped hulls on ships.

The site of the Willard building was once the location of the Armory, which was the building where students completed their required military training. After World War II, the Armory was also the location of the Air Force and Navy ROTC classes.

The indentation on the southeast corner of Old Main Lawn, now used as an open-air theater, was originally the site of the quarry from which the limestone blocks were cut to build Old Main.

-Map courtesy of www.campusmaps.psu.edu

cult ure & d iversi t y

Penn State is a big school with an even bigger history. Erin Mawe reveals the coolest facts about campus that you haven’t heard before! BERKEY CREAMERY

Jerry Greenfield, of the famous Ben and Jerry’s ice cream company, spent $5 for a correspondence course on ice creammaking through the Berkey Creamery. The only customer to receive two flavors in one ice cream cone here was President Bill Clinton in 1996.

PATERNOVILLE

The first Paternoville was on Oct. 2, 2005, when a few students camped out by Beaver Stadium in anticipation of the Ohio State game. Soon, hundreds of students were camping out, and Paternoville was born. Penn State upset Ohio State that year, and the tradition of Paternoville continues today.

BEAVER STADIUM

The game with the highest attendance at Beaver Stadium was Penn State’s 40-7 win over Nebraska on Sept. 14, 2002, during which 110,753 fans crowded into the stadium. Beaver Stadium’s official capacity is 107,282, making it the largest stadium in the country and the third largest in the world.

OLD MAIN

THE BELL OF USS PENNSYLVANIA

BRYCE JORDAN CENTER

Old Main was originally called “The Main Building.” It took on its current name after President Atherton’s death in 1906. Until 1880, it was mandatory for students to serve three hours of manual labor every day—this is how Old Main was built! The original Old Main was torn down and rebuilt using the limestone from the first building.

Outside the Wagner Building is the Bell of the U.S.S. Pennsylvania. The battleship was in Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, but luckily it was struck only once and survived the attack. The bell is on permanent loan from the Department of the Navy, and it was originally placed in the HUB courtyard. When the Wagner Building opened as the home of Penn State’s ROTC programs, the bell was moved to its current location.

Although the IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon has had other homes including the White Building and Rec Hall, it is currently held in the Bryce Jordan Center. Since the first THON in 1977, Penn State students have raised more than $68 million For the Kids, making it the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. VA L L E Y / S P R I N G 2 010

Love began here

Caitlin Zankowski, the first female THON overall since 2002, is the woman behind a $7.8 million dollar philanthropy, this year themed “Love Belongs Here.” Now that her record-breaking year is over, she opens up about what it is really like to be in the shoes of an overall, and where she’s headed next. Written by Devin Tomb Cover and cover story photography by Shikeith Cathey 36

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$7.8 million, 15,000 student volunteers and 708 dancers all began with three people bursting into Caitlin Zankowski’s living room carrying a giant Hershey bar to congratulate her on being the next leader of the world’s largest student-run philanthropy. On paper, Zankowski is the type of person you want to roll your eyes at for seeming a little too perfect. Major: Industrial Engineering; GPA: 3.5 (Dean’s List); Extracurricular Activities: THON 2010 Overall Chairperson. Oh, and it says here on her résumé that she spent her 2009 spring break doing research in the Amazonian jungle. But success like Zankowski’s doesn’t come from attempting to have the perfect résumé. It comes from finding something you love and living it every day, and her first love at Penn State is THON. Penn State’s 46-hour dance marathon operates from a tiny office on the second floor of the HUB-Robeson Center. As Khloé Kardashian tweets “FTK” and canners drop off sky-high stacks of one dollar bills, the 10’ by 12’ room erupts year-round with the same loud cheers that are heard in the stands of the Bryce Jordan Center on THON weekend. This office is where Kirsten Kelly, the THON 2010 merchandise overall, came from for a meeting to talk about Zankowski as a student leader and friend. Now sitting in a quiet magazine office not accustomed to celebrity tweets, Kelly explains why Zankowski has the personality fit for someone in charge of a multi-million dollar philanthropy. “She checks on us to see if we’re eating right and if we slept the night before,” Kelly says of Zankowski. “But she gets respect. She says what she means and does what she says.” Zankowski started out in THON just like every overall chairperson does – as a committee member. In 2006, when Penn State’s then 48-hour dance marathon was still held in Rec Hall, Zankowski was just another Rules and Regulations committee member in a sea of red shirts. “I wanted to be there the entire time,” says Zankowski. “I had so much fun with my friends, and I just remember leaving Rec Hall thinking this is not the end of my involvement.”

Rewind the clock nine years, and you’ll find the first clue to why Zankowski wouldn’t begin and end her THON career as a committee member. During her freshman year in high school, Zankowski joined the track and field team, and, according to her father, Maz, running wasn’t really her thing. Despite her lack in natural talent, Zankowski competed in a long-distance race during a cold, winter storm. When the last of the runners finished and no one had seen his daughter, Zankowski became worried and traced the course backward to find her. “She was barely walking trying to finish,” says Zankowski’s father, who later found out his daughter had had mono during the race. “It was the most courageous thing she had ever done. She was freezing and could barely move, but she would not stop.” Rewind the clock four more years, and you’ll find clue No. 2. During a 5th grade basketball game at her Pittsburgh elementary school, Zankowski was the awkwardly skinny girl on the court. When her opponent thought it was a good time to take the ball from her, Zankowski disagreed. In an attempt only seen in elementary-level athletics, Zankowski was dragged on her knees across the court – unwilling to let go of the ball. “She’s always known exactly what she wants,” says Joan Zankowski, Caitlin’s mother. And to this day, her mother adds, “She knows what she wants and goes after it.” Zankowski applied to be a Rules and Regulations captain in the spring of 2007 and was named the Rules and Regulations overall for THON 2009. She then became one of four applicants that

Zankowski (6) and sister Annie (8)

THON 2009 Overall Chairperson Mike Hacke had to choose from to succeed him in a position that elevates a Penn State student into Penn State royalty. Hacke says his decision came down to Zankowski’s answer to one question: How will this [being the Overall Chair] impact THON in the future? “I was looking for someone who would focus on building a strong foundation to support even more growth [for THON] in the future,” says Hacke. “Caitlin’s forwardlooking mindset was a perfect match for THON.” While most THON overall committee members take a well-deserved rest during spring break, Zankowski spent the week prior to becoming the overall chair in a Peruvian tribal community, doing research for her engineering leadership development minor. Zankowski spent 12 hours in a boat to reach the Amazon jungle, where she showered in the river and sometimes required the presence of a machete-yielding Peruvian for her protection. “It was insane,” Zankowski says, who almost missed the chance to interview for the overall chair position because of an undiagnosed illness she got near the end of her trip. Zankowski sat in a lonely chair across from 10 THON 2009 overalls, people whom she calls her family, to interview for the position. “Hacke said he would call us after midnight, and it was midnight, it’s 12:15, it’s 12:20, and I’m like, all right, what is going on?” says Zankowski. “Then they came crashing through my door with this big bar of chocolate from Hershey that said ‘Congratulations to the Overall Chair.’ I was just screaming at the top of my lungs. It was unreal.” Zankowski got the password for the overall@thon.org e-mail address, and then she said it felt real. She was THON 2010’s overall chairperson. From that moment, THON 2010 evolved into a team of 15 overalls who chose 330 captains, who hand-picked 3,000 committee members – all of whom work year-round to produce a dance marathon that would eventually raise $7.8 for children with pediatric cancer. Zankowski, who has a 19-year-old sister, VA L L E Y / S P R I N G 2 010

Zankowski in Peru

Jillian Zankowski, who served on an OPP committee, says one of the most important things to her while being the overall chairperson was that “nobody is a nobody.” “That’s huge with me,” she says. “You better believe I think about the committee members. They’re the future of THON. The sophomore THON chairs who are looking for guidance, like, heck yeah I’ll be on the phone with them!” Zankowski doesn’t just consider everyone important in THON, but she believes that “Love Belongs Here,” the theme for THON 2010, really means the family feeling she has tried to bring to her overall committee. “It was so important to me that everyone felt like they were a part of something,” says Zankowski, who admits that in the past THON leadership has, at times, had a friendly rivalry to it. On the morning of THON weekend, Zankowski started a new family tradition. At 5 a.m. in the freezing cold weather, she and her 14 overalls all walked into the Bryce Jordan Center together, and they would walk out side by side, too. “15 in, 15 out,” Zankowski says. Among other things, Zankowski and her 14-member overall committee share in hearing the same question day after day, more so nearing THON weekend. That is, whether or not they’ll be able to beat last year’s THON total. Zankowski says that while the total was something she and her overall committee never discussed at meetings, the anxiety over it finally caught up with her the night before THON weekend. She says

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she turned to her father to remind her why it’s not the money that counts. “I said it’s about the smiles on the kids’ faces and making them feel like they’re special that weekend,” says Zankowski’s father of their THON eve conversation. “And she understood that completely – it’s those kids.” After the moments during THON weekend that she enjoyed most, which include telling the dancers to stand up and hosting the kid’s variety show, it was time to figure out the answer to the question she and the other 15,000 people in the BJC had on their mind. The THON total, which benefits the Four Diamonds Fund at Hershey Medical Center, comes together at noon on Sunday morning, about 42 hours into the 46-hour dance marathon. While the small room in the corner of the BJC is buzzing with the fingers of finance captains as they punch in every last donation onto a master Excel spreadsheet, it is only Zankowski and the finance overall, who this year was Lauren Tucci, in the room when the numbers add up. “I had tears running down my face because I was so stressed out,” says Zankowski. “We [she and Tucci] put our fingers on the enter key and hit it together. I fell over and started bawling my eyes out. I couldn’t believe we did it.” The number of course read: $7, 838, 054.38, beating last year’s total by $347,920.51. And announcing it, Zankowski says, was “the best thing I don’t remember.” “I blacked out until I was screaming, and there were two times I forgot I was miked,” says Zankowski. Making a heart with her hand, she continues, “I tried telling my committee, ‘I love you guys,’ and then later I screamed, ‘Can you believe it!’ and it went booming through the BJC.” While Zankowski says THON is one of the best things she’s done with her life, her friends say there’s so much more to her than just Penn State’s dance marathon. During a Homecoming event that Zankowski was hosting in Eisenhower auditorium, the music suddenly stopped playing, giving Molly Klayman, the 2009 executive director for Homecoming and one of Zankowski’s closest friends, a sinking feeling in her stomach.

Seconds later, a single voice backstage yelled, “We want the lion!” Seconds after that, Zankowski ran across the stage in a lion suit (from her very own personal collection) in front of an audience of 3,000 people. “Half the audience laughed and half had no idea what was going on,” says Klayman. “She surely knows how to get things done and have fun at the same time.” When Zankowski was asked what life is like now that THON 2010 is over and graduation is nearing, her voice went from loud and enthusiastic to soft and almost tearful. “I can’t believe it’s over, but I’m excited to give this to someone,” she says, who after our interview chose Kirsten Kelly as the THON 2011 overall chairperson. “I miss the business on the second floor. I miss the collaboration – seeing people come together and make things happen. I don’t know. I don’t know…” But it’s not all over for Zankowski. After graduating with a degree in industrial engineering this May, she will work for General Electric in their Rotational Leadership Program. “I’m at the bottom of the totem pole,” she says. “My dad just asked me how I felt going from head honcho to no one could care less if you’re fired, but I think I need that.” Zankowski hopes to continue her role in THON by dancing next year and offering advice to Kelly during her year as the overall chair. “If you’re loving what you’re doing and you’re doing it for the betterment of other people, don’t lose that fire,” says Zankowski to future THON leaders. “Love it and cherish it. It happens so quickly.”

Zankowski and her overall committee after THON weekend

destined to be:

a giver

Caitlin Zankowski, THON

2010 Overall Chairperson, knows she is meant to make a positive influence on the lives of others.

William James said, “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” Throughout my Penn State career, I have not only grown academically, but I have grown personally as well. Early into my application process to Penn State, engineering was my focus. My education and my future career was at the center of my early years in Happy Valley. As I found my place in the classroom and became comfortable with this large campus, my interests expanded beyond academics for the first time. The journey since that day has been an exciting one: I now know that I am meant to be someone who makes a difference in the lives of others. After spending a couple years focusing on the academic side of college and the following few dedicating myself to a worthy cause (THON), I realized that it is when I am volunteering with the Penn State Dance MaraTHON that I am happiest. This volunteer work has helped me to realize who I am and who I am destined to become. Do I have an exact blueprint to get me from here to there? Absolutely not. But I do take comfort in knowing that I have been lucky in my time at Penn State –I found

that a passion for philanthropy and a desire to benefit humanity will offer me fulfillment in my future. THON is not the only part of my Penn State experience, however. A large part of my desire to help people was sparked when learning about and engrossing myself in different cultures; cultures ranging from tribal people of different lands to the many subcultures right here at Penn State. Even just knowing that this diversity of cultures exists has changed me. When I traveled to Peru, my eyes were opened to a world of people and places that I never even imagined. We lived in a village on the farthest branch of the Amazon river with no running water or consistent communication with other villages. My eyes were opened to differences and disparities in education and communication among my international peers. These experiences have empowered me with a charge toward service, both in my collegiate career, and as I continue on beyond Penn State. Undoubtedly, THON has given me many opportunities to prepare myself for my future as well. If I had to choose the strongest influence upon my life

through my involvement with THON, I would confidently say that the people I have had the honor to work with over the years have changed me forever. From the supporters across the nation and the dedicated student volunteers to the parents of sick children and the children themselves affected by cancer, I have truly learned what “making a difference” means. I learned that every little bit counts – even the smallest of gestures can affect someone in ways we may never know. Just a simple thank you or a hug to show support can have a lasting impact on the life of another. I have learned that THON is not confined to this school, town, or its students. We can, and have, affected people of all ages and backgrounds. As Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” We have, and I can only hope that my enthusiasm and compassion for what I do has affected and will continue to affect the lives of those I strive to serve. And, I thank Penn State every day for giving me that chance. VA L L E Y / S P R I N G 2 010

Black blazer, Tahari, Model’s personal collection; Bandeau, Free People, Access, $28; Sheer tank, Free People, Access, $88; Black tights, Leg Avenue, The Rag and Bone, $6; High-waisted skirt, Lush, Sydney Mac, $32

an entertainer destined to be:

Candace Parker, PSN TV Host, is moving on after graduation with a career behind the scenes - Photo by Shikeith Cathey

I feel so blessed to know what I want out of life. I am meant to work in the entertainment industry doing public relations and promotions for major motion pictures. I began my journey at Penn State four years ago. Only two hours away from home, campus was not far from my comfort zone. I intended to apply to the film major because of my passion for the motion picture industry, but joining clubs at Penn State, like PSNtv (a student-run television network), helped me discover my interest in the business side of films. I was drawn to communications and

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entertainment, so I ultimately decided to pursue a major in public relations. Two summers ago, I interned with an entertainment marketing company based in Los Angeles, Ca. I still remember that summer like it was yesterday. I moved across the country, away from everything I knew. It was the first time I had ever really left my comfort zone. I had to get on a plane by myself and travel to a city that I had never been to, and live with roommates I had never met. When I was leaving my home in Pennsylvania, I felt nervous about everything. Saying goodbye to my family

was hard, but the moment I got on the plane I felt like I was about to have the adventure of a lifetime. There was no looking back. You know the saying, when one door closes another door opens? Sitting on the runway, waiting for take-off, was the first time in my life that I actually felt that feeling. When I arrived in LA, everything just felt right. My time in LA was extremely special for me, and it was definitely a life-changing experience. Last year, I had the chance to go back and work the backstage gift lounge at the 2009 GRAMMY® Awards. I was able to meet and talk with important people in the industry, and I learned that networking was going to be a big key to becoming successful in LA. There is no true defining moment when I realized that entertainment and film PR was right for me; it has been more a combination of moments. Industry parties. Walking Hollywood Boulevard. Roaming Warner Brothers Studios. The GRAMMYs®. Being so close to the industry made me see that the dreams and life ambitions I have for myself are, in fact, reachable. Before going to LA, it made me think twice when people doubted my ambitions. But if you don’t stick up for your dreams, who will? State College is thousands of miles away from Hollywood, but I believe that distance should not stand in the way of a dream. I have found ways to make myself stand out in an industry that is so difficult to break into. Today, I can confidently apply for jobs and know that I have the skills it takes to land one in the industry that I want to work in more than anything. They say that college is the best time of your life. While my time at Penn State has been amazing, I would like to think that the best times of my life are still ahead of me. I know that even though I have grown and learned so much about myself during my past four years at Penn State, I still have a great deal to learn. The film industry is always evolving, and I want to evolve with it. I will be happy if I get to be a part of entertaining the world.

Print gown, Von Vonni, Elegant Affairs, $168

I have spent a great deal of time in my life trying to figure out my purpose and identity. I was the type of preteen who went through every different phase, from blue-haired rebel to a granola-munching hippie. However, I can honestly say that at this point in my life, I am the closest I have ever been to finally figuring it out. The easy answer would be that I was meant to be a performer, as doing this is what brings me the most joy in life. When I step onto a stage and perform, it is one of the few times I feel as though I am where I am supposed to be. However, this past year has forced me to look deeper within myself, especially with the new responsibilities and duties I’ve taken on. I’m much more than a performer. I realized I loved performing so much because it allows me to inspire other people. I come from a simple family with big dreams. My parents are both immigrants from the Dominican Republic who did not come from much. (My mom did not even get to see an indoor bathroom, refrigerator or TV until she arrived in the United States at 11 years old.) However, they have always put a great deal of value in working hard and getting an education. From a young age, I struggled through financial hardships with my family, at times not even having enough money to maintain the basic luxuries like electricity or a stable home. One of the most impacting moments of my life was when we lost our home due to a financial rough patch when I was just 10 years old. Despite the difficulties that we have faced as a family, my parents have always instilled a hope and drive within me. They always expected more of me and never let me dwell on our difficult circumstances. Constantly, they pushed me to excel in school because that was my ticket to a better life. I believe whole-heartedly that had it not been for my experiences at Penn State, I may have never become the person I am today. These four years have broken me down and molded me into a strong and defiant spirit. I took chances and took on positions

a singer destined to be:

Mairys Joaquin, 2009 Panhellenic Council President, dreams to inspire others through her music. that seemed impossible for me to master. I joined a sorority, which, at that point, I really had no idea what it was. To be honest, one of the only reasons I joined Greek Life was because of Greek Sing. I knew that performing was my air, and I wanted the opportunity to do it. Along the way, I fell in love with the values and true meaning behind being Greek. It meant excellence and held me to a higher standard, much as my mother had done to me my entire life. As president, I learned that my voice was worth a great deal more than I could have imagined. My voice was

- Photo by Shikeith Cathey

responsible for leading and inspiring thousands of individuals. I began to see that my purpose went further than simply that of becoming a “singer girl.” I was a leader and an example of someone who had made it through a difficult beginning. I have realized that it doesn’t come down to where you start or what hardships come your way. It all comes down to following your passions and stopping at nothing to achieve them, taking every chance life hands you as a stepping-stone toward your end result. It’s worth it to dream. VA L L E Y / S P R I N G 2 010

Your RA: How Close is Too Close?

Every resident assistant on campus has the obligation to provide a safe environment for the students in his or her care. These obligations assure that the students are not only secure but have a friend to go to when they have a problem. But what happens when those obligations are not met? Lindsay Chew answers the question: What happens when friendship overpowers responsibility?

It’s your freshman year, and you feel like you’re walking into the unknown (which turns out to be a 10’ by 10’ dorm room). Anticipation and insecurity sweep over you, but the smiling face of your resident assistant melts away all the fear and anxiety you have been harboring. As described in the Resident Assistant Program Description, RAs are undergraduate students who reside in the “house” and have the most frequent and direct communication with resident students. The duties of an RA range from protective parent figure to the fun big brother or sister. Balancing all of these roles makes it easy to blur the line between friend and authority figure. “You want your residents to like you. It makes it easier for you in the long run,” says John Thomas*, 21, an RA at Penn State. “So if that means overlooking certain things, then that is what you do.” Underage drinking in the dorms is a widespread problem among campuses across the country. However, the allure of being a cool RA can overshadow the obligation to his or her students. “It makes you feel like the hero at the

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end of the day. So what if you overlook something small?” Thomas says. “I make sure everyone is safe and never let anything get out of hand.” And drinking is only the tip of the iceberg. Becoming friends with an RA is nothing new; one of the major roles of a resident assistant is to be approachable and friendly toward his or her residents. Jill Smith*, a former Penn State student, had a relationship with an RA that became much more. “He was easy to talk to and he made it even easier to become friends,” Smith says. “There was never a real discussion between the two of us on how close was too close, so I didn’t really try to slow things down.” Her roommate, Kasey Provine, a senior majoring in kinesiology, recalls one event where Smith decided to test her newly formed bond. “She was really drunk one night and kept calling for him,” Provine says. “When he pushed the door and saw the alcohol on the dresser, he said, ‘Get it out of here. Hide it so I can come in.”” Just two weeks after this incident, Smith and the RA she had become close

with had sex. “One minute we were talking, and the next minute we were having sex. It wasn’t planned, it just happened,” Smith says. The two continued their physical relationship for the next month, until Smith ended it after hearing about her RA sleeping with another girl on her floor. “She never told me directly,” Provine says. “I had a guess at what was going on, but not until a year later did he tell me what had happened.” But this relationship did not just affect Smith and the RA. “It put a strain on our relationship,” Provine says. “I remember her telling me she was going up to his room to play Go Fish and wouldn’t come back down for three hours. And when I would ask her, she would lie.” Lying is only one side effect of this type of relationship and can do more damage than ruining a friendship. “I gave him my trust and he broke it,” Smith says. “I thought it would be easy to ignore him, but when you see that person close to everyday it sucks.” *Names changed for confidentiality.

fashion

(featured)

morgan staten baker

Woman of Style By Georgia Templeton

Age: 21 Year: Senior Major: Media studies Hometown: Baltimore, Md. My style is: “It’s all about how I am feeling that day, that minute, that hour, or even that week.” I’m inspired by: “Beyoncé, SJP [Sarah Jessica Parker], Rihanna and Anna Wintour are all people who I like.” Favorite designers: “I absolutely adore Marc Jacobs. I believe he brings androgyny to fashion. Also Chanel, Betsey Johnson, the late Alexander McQueen and The Blondes.” Fashion weakness: “Everything! Anything and everything that appeals to my senses. Patterns, sequins, blazers, shoes, and most definitely jewelry.” Spring 2010 trend I’m obsessed with: “Menswear…in a feminine, flirty way.” Fashion advice for Penn State: “Pay attention to the pieces that are changing, and the ones that remain the same. You can simply pick up something new by flipping through a magazine or watching television.” - Photo by Shikeith Cathey

VA L L E Y / S P R I N G 2 010

APRIL SHOWERS Georgia Templeton finds the best umbrellas, boots and coats to brighten those rainy days in State College.

These zebra print rain boots are sure to make a splash. (Rasolli, Metro, $38)

Pink and ruffled! Need we say more? (Cancan by Guy de Jean, Rainorshine.biz, $160)

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clear this dome shaped umbrella is a must-have. (Clear Bubble Umbrella by Totes, Totes-isotoner. com, $30)

These comfortable rain boots are made for the girl who plans to jump in every puddle. (Tretorn, Bare Foot, $68)

-Photos of boots and jacket by Jennie Lichtenstein; Photos of umbrellas courtesy of Web sites listed

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Tip-toe around a rainy dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s silver lining with these classic turquoise boots. (Hunter, Bare Foot, $120)

Chic and practical, this timeless raincoat is the perfect addition to any wardrobe.

(Ali Ro, Mr. Charles, $276)

Fly around London on this one, Mary Poppins. (Bella Umbrella, Umbrellas.net, $96)

Pair an oversized plaid shirt with a luxurious fur (faux or vintage, Kylie Davis, a freshman majoring in veterinary and biomedical please!) and lace-up boots for a trendy look that’s easy for sciences, looks rock and roll in her studded leather jacket and everyday wear. Alexandra France, a senior majoring in art zipper skirt. Her cutout heels are the perfect detail needed to complete the look – other than her beaming smile. history, does it flawlessly!

Going monochromatic is a fabulous way to look puttogether without much effort. Add a personal touch with your accessories. Olivia Kamara, a freshman majoring in journalism, pairs her glasses with an on-trend leopard clutch.

t e e r St Style

Talk about nailing the sophisticated collegiate look! Jimin Hong, a freshman majoring in finance, looks fantastic in her blazer, slim pants, printed silk scarf and leg-lengthening boots.

EAM TO T L L A FOOTB E IS ALWAYS E H T FROM PENN STAT IS NO N , IO N H S THO ND FA ANN FINDS A , P ON TO N! ELYSIA M UDENTS ST TIO EXCEP ST DRESSED S. THE BE N CAMPU O

Invest in some classic layering pieces for freezing cold days. You can dress simply and still look fantastic, as Katie Colombo, It is so easy to look chic wearing an infinity scarf and a cute a sophomore majoring in advertising, shows us. She takes some jacket! Throw a slouchy bag over your arm like Alexa Oelbaum, basic staples, like dark skinnies and a crisp white long-sleevea freshman majoring in advertising/public relations, and you’re tee, and adds her personality with a long vest, slouchy boots, ready to go. and sparkling accessories.

A bright floral skirt is perfectly paired with dark neutrals. Vanessa Ho, a freshman majoring in political science, knows how to compliment her black cardigan with a skinny leather belt and flat boots.

Jill Heron, a junior majoring in criminology, contrasts her slinky silver top and dark jeans with a thick and cozy cardi. The moccasin booties and pretty pendant pull everything together VAof L Lstyle. E Y / S P R I N G 2 010 45 with the right amount

FASHION through the GENERATIONS Clothes are more than objects. They are pieces of history that tell a story of the people who once wore them. Jennifer Conti finds style inspirations in her late grandmother’s closet. I often wear a silk, beaded shirt that is from Greece circa 1930; it belonged to my grandmother who wore it as a dress when she was a little girl. My grandmother bought the dress when she and her family traveled on the RMS Queen Elizabeth for a vacation in Greece. Every time I wear this shirt, I close my eyes and picture

my grandmother. She was elegant, sophisticated and classy – all three qualities evident in her dignified taste clothes. Although the back of this silk, beaded shirt is stained with patches of brown, I can’t donate it to Goodwill or bear the thought of throwing it out. I am too attached to the memories it evokes of my grandmother. Fashion trends continue to be influenced by styles of past generations. Shelley Banker, owner of Rag and Bone in downtown State College, offers both men’s and women’s vintage clothing and accessories from the 1920s to the 1980s. Banker still wears her grandmother’s clothes and thinks of her whenever she wears them. “There is art behind it [vintage clothing], it is made so beautifully,” said Banker. “It is made with so much more care. I find people into vintage really

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fierce felines

appreciate quality and detail.” One of Banker’s heirlooms is a kneelength, midnight-blue velvet wedding dress with elegant detailing. The late 1930s dress belonged to Banker’s husband’s grandmother. Rather than packing it away in a box, Banker used the dress on a mannequin and displayed it as a vintage decoration in her home. The wedding dress is not only an invaluable piece of history; it also complements the furniture in the room. Some heirlooms have a shorter shelf life. They may be too small to wear, stained -Ann Sciandra or dated, but there are alternative ways to keep the memories of loved ones alive within the comforts of your home. At home in New Jersey, my family guestroom is now dedicated to my grandmother’s exquisite wardrobe. Inside of the aged and worn boxes are some of the finest fashions from the 1920s through the 1940s. Our guestroom has now become my personal fashion playground where I swirl around in magnificent ball gowns or decorative flapper dresses paired with delicate hats. When I play dress-up to plan my outfit for the day, it brings me back to when I used to play in my grandmother’s walk-in closet. The difference is that now I can fit into the clothes rather than having them drag along the floor behind me. Every time I wear my grandmother’s clothes, once hers, now mine, I combine her style with my own personal signature.

My mother’s style is also influenced by my grandmother’s wardrobe. She often accents her outfit with a scarf, pocketbook or belt that once belonged to her mother, and accessories that belonged to her grandmother. My mother has done an excellent job preserving and recording our family history. She has taken a picture of each piece of clothing and accessory and has also written down the year and location where it was purchased so the information won’t be lost. Clothes have character; they are more than objects to be disposed of or given away. Fashion lives on forever through the afterlife of clothes. Whether it is a stained, elegant shirt that I continue to wear, a leopard coat hanging behind the door, or a mannequin posing in a decorative wedding dress, these clothes are family history that is passed down through fashion.

Conti wearing her grandmother’s shirt

Happy Feet

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to buy a rainbow collection of plastic flip flops and match them to every outfit you wear. This summer, why not give your feet more options? Christine Bove knows the summer shoes that are perfect for every occasion under the sun.

Jeweled Sandal (Bamboo, Metro, $28)

Tribal Sandal (ZIGIgirl, Bare Foot, $85)

Red Strappy Sandal (Bamboo, Metro, $28)

Red Flower Sandal (Diba, Bare Foot, $85)

PURPLE SANDAL (Bamboo, Metro, $28)

-Photos by Shikeith Cathey and Amanda Asselta

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WHAT TO WEAR

Sarah Bachman (junior, graphic design) Gold Earrings, Access, $7.50

Patra’s Ruffle Dress, Access, $68

Pearl Flower Bracelet, Access, $26

Gold Clutch, Access, $26

Jen Hoffman puts together flirty formal looks from downtown’s hottest boutiques, making a standout look guaranteed this spring.

ACCESS

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Christine Bove (junior, journalism)

Grace Omorebeokhae (senior, marketing) Pearl Necklace, Connections, $22

Studded Belt, Betsey Johnson, www.betseyjohnson.com for prices Black Clutch, Connections, $32, Angie Dress, Connections, $68 Pink Silk Dress, Mr. Charles, $253

MR. CHARLES CONNECTIONS

- Photos by Ann Sciandra and Shikeith Cathey

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Fierce felines Model: Courtney Powell; Dress suit, Byron Lars, Elegant Affairs, $597; Black leather gloves, Antonio Murolo, Elegant Affairs, $60 50

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n o i fash Imagination and reality are juxtaposed creating a grand fashion statement regarding Penn State culture.

photography by Shikeith Cathey

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rage against the machine Model: Courtney Powell; Floral racerback tank, Free People, Connections, $48; Overall romper, Akualani, Connections, $44 52

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structured saints Model: Courtney Powell; Hair: Looks Hair Design, State College, Pa.; Black hat, Original Caroline, The Rag and Bone, $30; Black jacket, Velvet, The Rag and Bone, $35; Floral zip dress, BB Dakota, Mr. Charles, $74 VA L L E Y / S P R I N G 2 010

iconic trends UGG boots provided by Valley staff; Black dress, Nadine Formals, The Rag and Bone, $58 54

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UNDER THE SEAMS

Wearing pretty undergarments (even if you are the only one who sees them!) is a quick and easy way to put an extra pep in your step. Jen Hoffman finds looks ranging from bold and sassy to delicate and ultra-colorful at Jezebel’s Boutique.

Yellow bra (b. tempt’d, $33)

Pink rose bra (b. tempt’d, $36)

Blue eyelet lace lo-rise thong (Betsey Johnson, $24)

Yellow underwear (b. tempt’d, $17)

Floral Montego thong (Butterflies by Claire Pettibone, $24)

- Photos by Ann Sciandra

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outstanding alumna HOW I BECAME: A JUSTICE ON THE PENNSYLVANIA SUPREME COURT -Cynthia Baldwin, Class of 1966 As told to Erin Mawe

Valley: How did your time at Penn State shape your career path? Cynthia Baldwin: Penn State prepared me to be successful in the society I found upon graduation, both educationally and socially. V: What activities were you involved in? CB: I was active in my sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, University Readers (a theater group), Students for Racial Equality (S.U.R.E.) and Scrolls Senior Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Honorary Society, among others. V: What are some of your fondest memories from your time at Penn State? CB: I found Penn State to be everything I pictured a university campus to be, from the beautiful buildings, landscaped campus and fat squirrels to the challenging classes and interactive professors. I also met my husband there. V: What advice would you give to students who are planning on becoming lawyers or judges? CB: I would advise students to major in subjects that they like and pursue excellence. They should also get active in the university community. V: Of all of the prestigious positions you have held, including President of the Board of Trustees, which did you find most rewarding?

A lumna feat ure

-Courtesy of Cynthia Baldwin

CB: All of them. I truly believe that you get out of something at least what you put in and most of the time even more. I have just been appointed the first inhouse general counsel for Penn State. My title is Vice President and General Counsel. I feel absolutely privileged to serve my alma mater in this manner. V: How did you get started with your legal career? CB: Law is actually my second profession. I began my career as an English teacher at a junior high school. I then earned a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree and taught at what is now Penn State Greater Allegheny. After graduation from law school, my first position was as a Reginald Heber Smith Fellow with Neighborhood Legal Services, where I

was supposed to deal with only housing issues but ended up doing everything. This led me to litigation. V: Tell us about your work fighting corrupt governments in Uganda and Guinea. CB: This is truly a labor of love for me. I do educational programs for members of the judiciary and also work on Constitutional issues. I began this part of my life as a Fulbright Scholar in Zimbabwe, where I taught constitutional law, legal philosophy and trial advocacy at the University of Zimbabwe Law Faculty. After that experience, I traveled to Uganda, Malawi, and Tanzania with judicial teams to run seminars for judges. I have done similar seminars in China, too.

Show Your Penn State Spirit

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352 E. College Ave, Downtown State College, Pa

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130 S. Allen St.

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